EU condemns Russia’s launch of flights to occupied Abkhazia as violation of Georgian sovereignty

The European Union has condemned Russia’s unilateral decision to begin regular commercial passenger flights to Sukhumi, the capital of Georgia’s Russian-occupied Abkhazia region. In an official statement issued on May 3, the EU declared that this move constitutes a blatant violation of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“This action, taken without the consent of the Georgian authorities and in the absence of an international aviation code for Sukhumi airport, is yet another step by the Russian Federation that undermines Georgia’s sovereignty,” the statement said.

The EU reaffirmed its strong support for Georgia’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

The flight—operated by Russian carrier UVT Aero, which is sanctioned by the EU—marks the first civilian flight from Moscow to Sukhumi in over three decades. It landed on May 1, 2025, following a test run and a reopening ceremony for the Sukhumi airport, now renamed after Abkhazia’s first de facto president Vladislav Ardzinba. The arrival was met by de facto Abkhaz leader Badra Gunba and Russian official Sergey Kiriyenko.

The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the flight, calling it a breach of international law and Georgia’s Law on Occupied Territories. “The unlawful flight and the so-called agreement on transferring airport operations to the Russian side represent a gross violation of the UN Charter and ICAO regulations,” the ministry stated.

Although Georgia has not issued a formal diplomatic note to Moscow, Deputy Prime Minister Levan Davitashvili said the resumption of flights to Sukhumi was “unacceptable.” He added that airlines violating Georgia’s occupation law would not be permitted to operate within the country.